LEDs might be a new lighting product, but it is being widely applied in different types of lighting applications, according to a report from Chinese-language Emerging Industry Strategic Library. To strengthen and advance energy saving technologies, many countries have issued their own LED lighting standards. Lighting was included in China’s energy efficiency standards, which became effective in January 2008, while the Energy Star in the U.S. has set certain energy efficiency standards during the certification process. The EU directive on energy-related products (ErP) covers LED energy savings.

1.      China’s Energy Efficiency Label

In recent years, China has been investing more resources in the R&D of LED lighting standards. The country has established energy efficiency and performance standards for non-directional self-ballasted LED luminaires.

1.1 Non-directional self-ballasted LED luminaire energy efficiency requirements

According to GB30255-2013 regulations, non-directional self-ballasted LEDs can be classified into omnidirectional, half-omnidirectional (180 degree beam angle) and semi omnidirectional lights. There are three energy efficiency classes based on the starting luminous efficacy (lm/w), as seen in the table below.

China's Energy Efficiency Labels for non-directional self-ballasted LED luminaires. (All table sources from  Emerging Industry Strategic Library)

1.2 Non directional self-ballasted LED luminaire performance demands

Non directional self-ballasted LED luminaire performances must meet GB/T24908 standard. The standard GB/T24908-2014 outlines non directional self-ballasted LED luminaire efficiency performance, power factor, luminous flux, color temperature, lifetime, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The standards are also classified into three classes, as seen in table two below.

China's Energy Efficiency Labels for non-directional self-ballasted LED luminaires.

It can be seen from table 1 and table 2, GB30255-2013 self-ballasted LED luminaire efficiency standards is much higher than GB/T24908-2014. Manufacturers need to take both standards into account when manufacturing products to ensure it meets the regulations outlined in GB30255-2013.

2.      The EU directive on energy-related products (ErP)

ErP standards outlined energy consumption products for average and special lighting environments, and the standards are mostly designed to meet these standards.

2.1 LED luminaire efficiency levels

EU No. 874/2012 energy label standards target incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights, HID lamps, LEDs and module usage. Different energy labels are applied to the above listed luminaire types sold on the market, which have set clear standards. The regulation separates luminaires into two major categories directional luminaires and non-directional luminaires, and offers Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) regulations as seen in table three.

EEI calculations and related equations:

EEI=P_cor/P_ref

P_cor: P_cor is the rated power measured at nominal input voltage and corrected where appropriate in accordance with P_rated. In LED lumianires the addition of an external control device is calculated by multiplying the P_rated with a coefficient of 1.1_. In other situations, the P_cor is equivalent to theP_rated value_.

P_ref: is the reference power obtained from the useful luminous flux of the lamp (Φuse) using the following formula:

For models with Φuse < 1,300 lumen:

(equation 2)

For models with Φuse ≥ 1,300 lumen: Pref = 0.07341Φuse (equation 3)

Φuse is defined as follows:

— directional lamps with a beam angle ≥ 90° other than filament lamps and carrying a warning on their

packaging in accordance with point 3.1.2(j) of this Annex: rated luminous flux in a 120° cone (Φ120°)

— other directional lamps: rated luminous flux in a 90° cone (Φ90°).[1]

For more please see here.

2.2 Non directional residential LED luminaire standards

EC No 244/2009 regulations have split LED luminaires into transparent and opaque lights, with P_max representing the maximum rated power. The maximum rated power is closely related to luminous flux（Φ）. Further details can be seen in table four.

2.3 Directional LED luminaire energy efficiency standards

EU No 1194/2012 regulation split LED luminaires into two major classes, directional LED luminaires and non-directional luminaires. However, this particular regulation only addresses directional LED luminaire energy efficiency. The directive implemented in Sept. 1, 2015 requests directional LED luminaires maximum energy efficiency index (EEI) cannot exceed 0.50, and by 2016 LED luminaires cannot exceed 0.20. Additional requirements include the luminaire’s survival factor and lumen maintenance must meet 6,000 hours, its starting time has to be less than 0.5 seconds, while the lamp warm-up time has to reach luminous flux 95% in less than 2 seconds. Other performance standards also include premature failure rate, color rendering (R_a), color consistency, lamp power factor (PF) for lamps integrated with gear. In total the standard covers nine major indicators for LED luminaires[J1] .

The EU lighting energy efficiency standards and directives indicate the ErP is only regulating non directional LED luminaire energy efficiency for the time being. Directional LED luminaire standards have to meet EC No244/2009 standards, while LED energy efficiency labels and classification are determined by EU No 874/2012 standards.

3.      U.S. ENERGY STAR label

ENERGY STAR is a joint electronic energy efficiency certification project launched by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency. The project has listed specific regulations for LED engines and luminaires used in residential applications, products that meet its energy standards can receive the ENERGY STAR label.

3.1. LED light engine energy efficiency requirements

ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Residential Light Fixtures Eligibility Criteria – Version 4.2 mostly covers residential lighting or outdoor luminaire energy efficiency standards. Uncovered LED light engines energy efficiency must be greater than 50 lm/W, while covered LED engines light efficiency has to be greater than 40 lm/W.

3.2 Energy efficiency requirements for integral LED lamps

ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements for Integral LED Lamps-version 1.4 regulates integral LED luminaires luminous efficacy, lumen output, luminous intensity distribution, color temperature, LED operating frequency, operating voltage, CRI, audible noise, packaging and others. None standard LEDs with power below 10W, and non directional LED luminaires luminous efficacy has to be greater than 50 lm/W. Luminous efficacy standards for none standard LEDs with a power greater than 10W and none directional LED luminaires need to be greater than 55 lm/W. Decorative LED luminaires luminous efficacy needs to be higher than 40 lm/W, while directional LED luminaires luminous efficacy varies according to the luminaire size. Lights with a diameter ≤20/8-inch needs to be greater than 45 lm/W.

Conclusion

A comparison of lighting energy efficiency standards between the EU, U.S. and China indicates China’s LED lighting standards are very similar to ENERGY STAR. Both countries energy efficiency standards are based on luminous efficiency, but the U.S. ENERGy STAR LED luminaire energy efficiency standards and regulations cover a much wider scope, and research and updates occur much faster. However, China’s minimum energy efficiency standard for non-directional LED luminaires is about 20% higher than ENERGY STAR.

The EU LED luminaire energy standard is very different from China’s or U.S. ENERGY STAR in that it is determined by EEI. From the formula listed in 2.1, it can be observed a LED luminaire’s EEI calculation is based on power factor, total luminous flux, beam angle, and useful luminous flux. Apparently, the whole process is much more complicated and would raise company’s test costs.

Since China’s LED luminaire energy efficiency standards lacks sufficient research and development process, the country should strengthen cooperation with EU or U.S. and other countries. China should also use EU and U.S. energy efficiency standards as a reference to formulate lighting efficiency standards. Additionally, under Chinese government’s guidance, major or leading Chinese LED companies especially should demonstrate product quality, volume, and safety standards. Companies are encouraged to advance their product quality and actively participate in forming new standards, especially new products. The final aim is for companies to innovate, and research new standards to aid the country’s transition from “Manufactured in China” to “Created in China.”